Those submitting applications to hold an event in the park, including the Sundquist Pavilion, must provide proof that they reached out to the businesses in the Central Business District about their upcoming event.

“It shows that the city manager or city council is satisfied they made a reasonable effort to include those merchants,” said Tom Schultz, city attorney.

The new rule is among the updates to the city’s special events policy recently approved by the city council.

Another change to the policy: Students from outside Farmington and Farmington Hills can have prom photos taken at the Gov. Warner Mansion, but local residents will have reservation priority. Previously, the venue was restricted to prom-goers who attend school in Farmington and Farmington Hills. Now, Farmington Public Schools students get first dibs followed by those who attend non-public schools in the two cities, and then students from other schools.

“It creates a hierarchy on who can apply and who gets preferential treatment,” said Mayor Bill Galvin. “Before, we didn’t have this, which puts priority on taxpayers.”

The process to update the events policy was initiated by Vince Pastue, Farmington’s former city manager. It also prompted a moratorium last June on issuing permits for new events at Riley Park.

“It has been a long journey to get this policy approved,” Galvin said. “We took our time, paid attention to detail. I think this is going to benefit the entire community.”